In Him There is No Darkness

what we have looked at and touched with our hands– concerning the word of life.

This life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you, the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. We declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly, our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.

If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true, but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

God always blesses the reading of his word

Great and holy Father, we are your little children. We are unable to truly comprehend, the wonderful and selfless act your son did so that we may be able to fellowship with you.

Thank you. Thank you for the many ways you show your love to us. Thank you for our friends and family. For our many talents. For the opportunity to have a relationship with you.

Father help us to be more like John. Empower us to speak about what we know about you and the love and mercy you have for us.

We have heard your word with our ears. We pray that we will understand it with our hearts.

We have seen your acts of grace and mercy. We pray that we can show the same grace to our brothers and sisters.

We have looked and touched with our hands when we help those who are the least, the lost, and the lonely. We pray that we will recognize the face of Jesus in everyone we meet.

Father, forgive us our failings. Forgive us when we do not hear. When we allow the world’s noise to cloud out your still small voice.

Forgive us when we do not see because we are focused on worldly things that only separate us from you.

Forgive us when we doubt the hands that we are helping are yours because we are distracted by what he is wearing, or saying, or doing, and not what YOU are showing us.

Remind us Lord that you came to save all of us from sin and bring all of us into a personal relationship with you. It is your commandment for us to fellowship with all your people—not just the ones who look, and think and act like we do. Not just our friends from our neighborhood and community, but everyone.

Father, we humbly come to you and ask to hear our cries for our brothers and sisters who are in need of comfort and healing.

We give thanks and rejoice for Elliott’s recovery. We thank you for the comforting and talented hands of all the people who work at Children’s Hospital.

And be with my sister, Melissa as she deals with having to remove her father from life support. Comfort in her loss and give her strength as she faces new challenges.

We pray for our military. For the leaders that they may strive to seek peace. For our soldiers, including Capt. Shane Mason, who are willing to sacrifice themselves to ensure our freedom.

We pray for our homebound members and touch their hearts so they know they are not forgotten.

Father, hear our prayers for our church. We give thanks for the many hands and hearts that serve our church. We pray for our pastors and leaders, that they may be wise and patient with us. We pray for Jarrettown’s many missions and ministries—that you will bless those who are serving and strengthen those who are seeking a place to serve.

We pray that you strengthen our fellowship with our brothers and sisters so that our church can rise up and be an example to all, of the love of Jesus Christ.

Be with our youth and their leaders who are wrapping up their confirmation weekend. We pray that hearts and minds and lives have been changed.

Light our path so that we can proclaim to everyone, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.